Christine Caine, Founder of A21, human trafficking abolitionist, sexual abuse survivor S8 Ep 82

Christine Caine's hurdles may seem insurmountable: She is a survivor of both sexual abuse and cancer. At 32, she found out she was adopted.  Yet, she is living a profoundly inspired life. Christine leads a global anti human-trafficking movement and was honored with the 2017 Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice. Have you ever felt like your story was derailed by unexpected or unwanted news? Christine's story and tips will show you how to "let go of your history so you can step into your destiny." SHOW NOTES:  John was determined to have Christine on the show after being shocked when a man recently shared that he'd been taken from his home in Africa to be a slave in the US. Christine's organization A21 is currently helping 28 adult victims + 14 children in the US alone. Learn more about A21 Campaign and 21 steps you can take to abolish slavery here.  Christine’s passion to help victims stems from being sexually abused for more than a decade during her youth. You can rise above the adversity of your past and fulfill a life of purpose. That has been my story; hopefully my past can give others a future. The advent of the #MeToo movement: There is a wakening that this is not okay and realization that it is far wider spread than anyone thought. It's important that we bring justice into the light so that justice can be brought into the circumstance. I would have been very angry; my faith gave me a path forward. It's important to find healing. Anger, bitterness and un-forgiveness do not need to be the end of your story. How do you encourage abuse victims? It's not your fault. Don't internalize what happened or identify yourself by it. You're not what happened to you. Denial doesn't help. It just pushes down anger, resentment + bitterness, all of which must come out. Good counseling. Venting does not equate to healing and wholeness. Process the pain in a safe place with a counselor. When you do, you will come out the other side.  Christine's new book Unexpected: "Just because everything around you is crazy, doesn't mean you have to be! Be rooted." Unexpected things do not have to take you out; you can navigate that. My life is a testament to this truth. What happens to you does not need to define who you are. Your greatest challenge or unexpected news is not where the story ends. Secrets manifest. Learn how to disclose things in a safe place.  Rise above your circumstances. There's a place for lament + grief, but you have to use tools to overcome your adversity. Have faith in this climate of anxiety and fear. Start doing it afraid, until you are no longer afraid. What if we don't have faith? Take the next step toward your future and trust that there is something more than you. Decide what is the next best thing you can do. You'll step into new relationships, opportunities, one door leads to another. How do you do it all? I work a perfectly imbalanced life: There are seasons of high focus in different aspects of life. I center myself in faith. I'm drawn by what is important, not the tyranny of the urgent. I live disciplined, organized and enjoy the journey. I know that I can't do everything. I don't bear the burden or responsibility for everything I can't change. I lead through people, empower them and know we are better together. I do the best I can. At the end of the day, it's enough. How do you let go of the urgent + focus on important?  Be intentional. Keep adjusting your compass to go in the direction you're going. Don't be dragged by the current of the latest craze. Don't let others' agenda become yours. Don't be driven by ego, this puts everything out of order. Keep your soul healthy. We live in an outrage society. Don't react. Respond from a place of wisdom where you feel called to lead.  CHRISTINE CAINE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I read it decades ago and keep coming back to it.  2. What is characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Lack of cynicism. I loved when I was not jaded. I have to proactively fight to be unjaded. I wish I didn't have to fight so hard. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Passport! 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Billy Graham. I'd ask, "How did you keep your passion alive?" 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Remain a life-long student. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Chill out. Don't be so uptight about everything. It will happen. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She stayed the course. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning